Now that the return of the 2025 World Combine presented by DraftLine is in the books — the Ocoee, Florida, workout and games marked the first time the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series has run that event since 2020 — it’s time to take a quick look back at some of the players who made it what it was.
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It’s also the first time this event has been run as a selection event for a future trip, with the Caribbean Classic quickly approaching next month, so these may be some players you see on those rosters when we get going in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, from January 16-19.
Here are five position players from our trip to the TNXL Academy worth keeping an eye on moving forward.
RADHAMES HERRERA, C
HT/WT: 5-8/160
B/T: R/R
ELIGIBLE: 2028
TRAINER: LUCAS GARCIA
Herrera turned in arguably the defensive play of the week, throwing out a runner from his knees from behind the plate in the video shown below. We’ve seen the young Dominican backstop three times now, with the first two coming in the Dominican Republic, first in August and then in October. He would certainly seem to be a candidate to represent his country in Puerto Rico as he continues to grow into a leaner frame, which will only help him generate more impact as a hitter.
CRISTIAN YAN, OF
HT/WT: 5-10, 150
B/T: L/L
ELIGIBLE: 2027
TRAINER: CACON
Yan comes to the Future Stars Series from the loaded Cacon Academy and is certainly no slouch compared to the bevy of talent we’ve seen them produce. A toolsy outfielder with a big personality, Yan had an up-and-down showing in Ocoee, but it’s easy to see what he can be when he really puts it all together. He’s another strong candidate to represent the DR at the Caribbean Classic in January, and could break out there with some power potential that’s left to be tapped.
LUIS ESTRELLA, IF/OF
HT/WT: 6-2, 210
B/T: R/R
ELIGIBLE: 2026
TRAINER: LF MARTINEZ
There may be no greater power threat in the future than Estrella, a sturdily built IF/OF who was pumping balls into the parking lot regularly during batting practice. While he may end up with a 1B/DH profile in the future as a defender, there’s zero concern that the bat will keep him in the lineup as he progresses. If he doesn’t get scooped up by one of the many big league clubs in attendance in Ocoee, he would seem to be an easy addition to the DR’s Caribbean Classic roster.
LEONARDO VARGAS, IF
HT/WT: 6-1, 200
B/T: L/R
ELIGIBLE: FA
TRAINER: GONZALEZ BASEBALL ACADEMY
Vargas is ready to be signed at this point, and showed it on multiple occasions in Ocoee this past week, as the Mexican-born free agent corner infielder hit one of only three in-game homers all week, taking one very deep to his pull side on the second day of games at the World Combine. Vargas was arguably the best player we saw in our trip to Mexico in September, and did little to dispel that thought on the bigger stage in Florida. Has the potential to have some impact in professional baseball as he moves forward and inevitably gets a look, but should be set for a roster spot on the Caribbean Mix team in January should he get that far. Runs an impressive 6.9 60 for size.
ROMEL LOPEZ, C
HT/WT: 5-8, 215
B/T: R/R
ELIGIBLE: 2026
TRAINER: GONZALEZ BASEBALL ACADEMY
Lopez is really intriguing, as he brings an almost surprisingly impressive level of athleticism to an XL frame behind the plate. One of two catchers from Mexico worth mentioning here — Jael Jauregui is the other, but the latter can also play at third base — Lopez is mobile behind the dish and opened some eyes with his bat.
Since 2003, he has covered multiple World Series and has worked high-profile events ranging from the MLB All-Star Game to the World Baseball Classic. In addition to his role working for the Future Stars Series that he's held since 2017, Ashmore currently serves as the beat writer of the Double-A New York Yankees affiliate, the Somerset Patriots, as well as national hockey writer and New York Jets game day beat reporter for The Trentonian.
A regular contributor to Baseball America, Ashmore has worked seven Super Bowls, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA Playoffs, College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Frozen Four, Daytona 500, major UFC events and much more as he approaches 3,300 games covered in his career.
An avid trading card enthusiast, he lives with his wife, Sarah, their son, future No. 1 overall draft pick in 2042, William, their beloved dog, Bailey, and occasionally well-behaved cat, Smokey.
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